Tribune Opinion: Greeley, Weld communities deserve praise for working together

Among the numerous inspirational stories of neighbors helping neighbors during the flooding is this one: When one of the two water treatment plants in the city of Evans failed during the flood because of an electrical problem, officials from the city of Greeley offered to let Evans run wastewater through one of Greeley's treatment plants.

Of course, many Evans residents still are under a no-flush order. But with Greeley's help, it looks like Evans residents will soon be allowed to start using their toilets and showers again, thanks in no small part to this joint effort.

Greeley was lucky that the worst of the high waters missed most of the city. Still, Greeley officials have been active in helping their neighbors deal with the effects of the flooding. Greeley police officers have helped provide extra manpower for the Weld County Sheriff's Office and in Longmont.

We're thrilled to see this kind of regional cooperation. It's great to see Greeley offer help where it's needed. And, of course, we know that if roles were reversed and Greeley needed help, other communities in Weld wouldn't hesitate to lend a hand. That kind of cooperation makes us all stronger than we would be on our own.

DDA wraps up successful Friday Fest season

We want to congratulate the Downtown Development Authority on another successful season of Friday Fest, which last year introduced Greeley to a Go Cup District allowing residents to drink alcoholic beverages outside during the events.

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The Friday Fest has attracted people from all over the city and beyond to celebrate local music, artisans, culture and Greeley's thriving downtown.

Although today is the last of the Friday Fests for the 2013 season, another event will step in and provide some lively local entertainment. The My Favorite Bands Festival will have a free kick-off show from 6-9 p.m. Friday on the 9th Street Plaza.

These two events will merge for a fun evening of live music, Go Cups and community interaction. The My Favorite Bands Festival will continue from 1-10 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln Park.

With all the devastation of the recent flooding, we are glad there are events that will bring our community together and will help provide some much-needed joy to all those in attendance.

Maze offers fun, chance to help others

When the Fritzler Corn Maze opens for its 14th season this weekend, you'll recognize plenty about the familiar attraction.

It will have the usual fun and scares. However, the image in the 15-acre maze this year is a bit more somber than usual: The image depicts a bald eagle with tears falling. Glen Fritzler, who developed the maze, said the image — coupled with the phrase "God Bless America" — is a tribute to those who lost their lives or suffered after last year's shootings, bombing and natural disasters.

The design was already in place when historic floodwaters devastated many parts of Weld County, and Fritzler said the image turned out to be a fitting tribute to those in need here. He said the hail storm earlier this month and now the floods have been a disastrous blow to farmers, even those just miles away from his home.

Corn maze guests can make monetary donations as they visit, 100 percent of which will go toward flood victims, or they can donate nonperishable food items, which will go to the Weld Food Bank. Fritzler said he plans to accept donations through September, but he'll keep it up as long as there's a need.

The corn maze always offers a great way to have fun. This year, it also offers an excellent opportunity to help others. Whether you go every year or this will be your first, we hope you'll make time to check out this event.